Herzberg’S Two Factor Theory of Work Motivation: The Case of Tourism Employees

The article focuses on work motivation of Slovenian front-line employees working in tourism. The motivation is analyzed using a Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory of work motivation, which is based on two factor groups of work motivation – growth factors that motivate, and hygiene factors that do not motivate, yet their absence causes work dissatisfaction. The empirical research results indicated that growth factors (e.g. recognition and responsibility) have a major impact on work motivation, while hygiene factors (e.g. salary) did not show statistically significant impact. The findings of the research could be useful for management in tourism industry, who should give more attention to growth factors or strengthen their meaning by increasing front-line employees’ responsibilities, recognition, enabling additional trainings and giving adequate information as these factor have a pivotal meaning for employees’ work motivation.